Lomography Design for Threadless - Design Competition

The Lomographic Society International (dedicated to experimental and creative analog photography) and Threadless are challenging designers to create a tee inspired by one of the “10 Golden Rules of Lomography” including:

Lomography Rule #1: Take Your Camera Everywhere you Go
Lomography Rule #2: Use it Anytime, Day and Night
Lomography Rule #4: Try the Shot from the Hip
Lomography Rule #6: Don’t think
Lomography Rule #7: Be Fast
Lomography Rule #10: Don’t Worry About Any Rules

Up for grabs are the ultimate tools needed for photographers to commmunicate, absorb, and capture the world including the iconic Lomo LC-A+ camera with LC-A+ wide-angle lens, the DianaF+ with fisheye lens, the world's first compact fisheye camera (Fisheye 2), 10 rolls of LomoX-Pro film, and a lot more. In addition, the designer chosen gets $2k in cash.

Deadline for entries is July 5, 2008
http://threadless.com/loves/lomography

Etsy: Crafting Cupcakes!

Of course by now we're all aware that cupcakes are a sweeping global trend. People are paying $3 for two wee bites of deliciousness; they're wearing the colorful cups on clothing and crafters are knitting, painting and molding faux petite-gateaux.

We LOVE these Etsy finds and could have easily spent many more hours going through hundreds of pages of cupcake crafts - not only original and hand-made, but affordable!

LilyBaySoap
Soaps handmade from scratch using mostly all-natural ingredients and vegan friendly. Yummy scents include vanilla, blueberry, raspberry, etc...$4.25 each (+ $2 shipping)

JooJoo Polymer Clay
Mini magnet cupcakes with strong magnets on the bottom to decorate appliances or anywhere else you think of. Many choices. $15 for 3.

Frosting Couture
"Sweet to the Bone" hat with beaded wool felt cupcake. Many other yummy fashions mostly for kids. $18

3 day Aquafresh Challenge for a Brighter Smile

With a promise to noticeably whiten teeth within 3 days, I underwent the not-so-comfy task of wearing Aquafresh White Trays pre-filled whitening gel (hydrogen peroxide) teeth trays for 30-40 minutes each night (courtesy of our friends at Strategic Objectives).

I had previously tried Crest's whitening strips (the Classic version) - but didn't have the patience to see the results as they required 14 days of treatment (there are now quicker options).

Night 1: Ew - can barely talk and need tissue dab at goo coming out the sides of my mouth. Is this stuff safe to swallow?
Night 2: Less inconvenient - barely remember the 40 minutes of clumps. Teeth may be a little brighter!
Night 3: Well my teeth do look whiter (but can definitely benefit from the remaining four days of trays). When I asked my friends if they noticed a difference I got a few nods.

I will use the remaining trays and anticipate a gleaming smile! Will keep you updated!
P.S. Aquafresh White Trays and the various other teeth whitening products are widely available everywhere for under $40. Word of caution though: whitening systems may cause sensitivity in some people.

Queen Street Market

Kealan Sullivan of high-style shop 69 Vintage recently announced a new marketplace for art, craft, fashion and vintage lovers - The Queen West Market, upstairs at 1100 Queen Street West.

The second floor space (previously Spin Gallery) will be the new home of the market and its 35+ artsy vendors - including a farmers market.

Open every Saturday and Sunday, 10 - 6 all year round.

Designers and Merchants: There are many options available to sell your wares from renting small carts to larger spaces. For vending opportunities and more information, go to www.queenwestmarket.com.

What's in my polish?

OPI has some great new neon nail polish for sale at salons (Mod about Brights) I found $1 (much cheaper) versions at my local dollar store. This obviously requires a few more coats to get intense color but eventually does the job.

My concern, however, as I'm revelling in this great bargain is what exactly I'm putting on my nails. At what cost is this really?

My Dollar Store Nailpolish (made in the US):

Toluene & Formaldehyde Free (both cancer causing)
Ethyl Acetate - common solvent used in paints, perfumes. Known irritant and hormone disrupter. Used to decaffeinate coffee et al.
Dibutyl Phthalate - Dangerous to environment and unborn babies. All major producers stopped using in 2006 although there are many organizations that claim its safe for humans. Banned for use in cosmetics by European Union although phthlates are used in many other industries.
Camphor - On Health Canada's 'Hotlist' of Prohibited or Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients for hazards to children
Benzophenone-1 - UV Blocker used in many cosmetics. Approved for use although proven to be highly toxic and negative effects on brain, organs and nervous system.
Other ingredients include color and finishes.

Conclusion:
Although nail polish is horribly toxic, I learned that many of the ingredients are in hundreds of other products that we're exposed to. I also learned that cheaper polishes are not necessarily more full of chemicals as one might think.
When choosing polish, stay away from toluene & formaldehyde. Try new products with mineral colorants. And if you care enough, you can find natural nail color at stores in Toronto like Noah's or at Carrot Common on the Danforth.

For more on what you're putting on/in your body, check out www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

Monika Schnarre never looked better!

Canada’s Sea Queen (made by Phantom) launches a hot new swimwear collection with its exclusive new SwimTech ContourLift Bra - modelled by Monika Schnarre (chosen to appeal to women 35 and up).

Created by an actual bra designer, SwimTech ContourLift Bra features malleable moulded cups that maintain a natural shape. Flexible underwires are fused within the cups’ thin foam fabric so they never poke or prod. A comfort band wraps around the rib cage for enhanced support.

The new line of bathing suits come with empire waists, wraps, belts, halters and tankinis. They're fashionably 'molten' gold, animal printed or in an exotic jungle print - all in an Italian micro-fibre to maintain a luxuriousness and smoothing effect.

Sea Queen swimwear ranges in price from $80 to $120 CDN and is available across Canada through The Bay and fine specialty retailers. For more information on Sea Queen and complete list of retailers, please visit www.seaqueen.ca.

Fashion Flash @ Luminato

Time stood still as a flash mob of more than 100 people froze in Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto. The urban art installation, presented by FASHION Magazine in partnership with Luminato, invited participants of all ages to strike a pose alongside models from Elite Toronto. [Photo: Claudia Hung/FASHION Magazine].

Luminato continues in Toronto until June 15, 2008 with creative arts events happening all over the city.

A Fidelity Rainbow

Fidelity Denim - A Canadian Company

Introducing a rainbow coloured collection including cranberry and fuscia; metal navy and lime green and curaco and plum.

Price: $140
Available in Toronto at Over The Rainbow, Mendocino, Body Blue
(Elsewhere Joelles, Leslies, Agent 99, Denim 101, Something Irrestible, Swank, Mimi & Coco, Tea Leaf, Foosh, Bamboo Ballroom, Lucys, JJ Whiskey)

www.fidelitydenim.com

Short Fashion Movie Contest

The Rage, 13 Kensington Ave is organizing a short movie contest. The contest is open to everybody: students or simply creative people.

Topic: The rage superhero fights the villains profit, conformity and industry!

You have 2 minutes max to create about the subject.
It can be anything you want: drawing, puppets, documentary, modeling clay.....

SUBMISSIONS B4 JULY 7th!!!! at info@ragetoronto.ca

The 10 finalists will be announced on the 10th.

There will be a party to show the finalists creations, with 3 Rage bands performances , DJ dance party, snacks and drinks!!!!

more info @ ragetoronto.ca

Your Chance to Style Lucinda

RAGS AND MAGS MMVA STYLING CONTEST

Rags and Mags will attend the Much Music Video Awards and Revolver After Party. You can design outfits for Lucinda and Max.

Lucinda McRuvy will interview red carpet stars and Max Velosse will sneak into the Much Music Video Awards. Both require styling assistance. That is where you come in! Lucinda and Max want to know what you think they should wear to Queen Street West's biggest party.

Two winning outfits will be selected, one for each character. Winners will receive the original inked line art signed by the illustrator, 25 postcards featuring their winning outfit, and will be name-dropped in the MMVA post as a Rags and Mags character.

Here are the rules:

1. Clothing and accessories must be by Canadian designers, sold at Canadian stores, or be an original design by contest entrant.
2. Entries must reflect the fashion sense and budget for each character.
3. Entries do not have to be fashion illustrations, but must include graphic references. It could be a photo or illustration collage. Entries will not be judged on artistic merit, but on the appropriateness of the outfit for the character.
4. Readers can enter an outfit for Max or Lucinda or both. Readers can enter as many outfits as they want for either character.
5. There is no dollar value attributed to this contest.
6. Danielle Meder and Carolyn Rohaly reserve the right to interpret the outfit and contest entrant name in the way they deem appropriate to the website and storyline.
7. All entries must be sent to ragsandmags@gmail.com.
8. Contest closes Friday June 13.
9. Winners will be revealed on Monday June 16 at Rags and Mags.

Rags and Mags was launched in March 2008 during L'Oreal Fashion Week. It is a voyeuristic peek into the thoughts of two fictional characters as they work and play within the real fashion industry in Toronto, Canada. It is written by Carolyn Rohaly and illustrated by Danielle Meder.

ragsandmags@gmail.com

Project Runway Canada

Only a few weeks left to apply for the 2nd season of Project Runway Canada! Go to globaltv.com for all the details!

Exhibit your Wearable Art

C1 art space is announcing a CALL FOR SUBMISSION for their 2nd annual Artist T-shirts and Tops Show!
This exhibit will continue to feature originally designed artist t-shirts and apparel. From quirky and cute to witty and weird, we’re looking for a variety of designs. This year we will also be including a section for Artists Pins & Buttons as well. The more designs the merrier.

Interested in exhibiting your wearable art?
*Please send in 2- 5 (low res) sample images of your designs via email to info@c1artspace.com or a link to your webpage for review by June 30th .
Works accepted will be exhibited on a consignment basis. Contact C1 for more info.

Submission Deadline : June 30th.
Show dates:July 25th to August 31, 2008.
Reception: Friday, July 25th at 7pm

C1 art space, 44 Ossington Avenue, just North of Queen Street West
416 538-7999
http://www.c1artspace.com
info@c1artspace.com

TSF.com Update

Hey y'all,
For those of you who check out Torontostreetfashion.com on a regular basis, you know that we've practically been offline for about three weeks - mostly due to (%&!@) technical issues, but also due to changes in staffing, holidays and availability (we've now ALL got other full-time gigs).

During the entire summer, Torontostreetfashion.com updates will be done on a part-time basis -

We will continue to list fashion-related events. PLEASE do not send flyers. ONLY typed information that can be copied and pasted. Thank You:) events@torontostreetfashion.com

As well, if you are interested in blogging on behalf of TSF.com on a part-time basis (awesome parties, a chance to network within the industry, etc...) please send Rachel an e-mail STATING how exactly you would like to contribute. BE specific. Thanks! rachel@torontostreetfashion.com

Enjoy the weather!

Summer Colour Kolor Shades

Straight outta Montreal: Kolor Shades Color, plastic, metallic, glow-in-the-dark...

Buy ONLINE $25 includes shipping
www.kolorshades.com

New Labels 2008 Follow Up

We always look forward to words from Nathalie Atkinson:
“What many people don’t realize is that the designers go through several rigorous critique sessions with the judges that take months of preparation for the final show,” says judge Nathalie Atkinson, a fashion journalist with the National Post. “Eugenia won, not only for her collection’s newsworthiness or because she made organic materials looks fashionable and effortless, but because she was receptive to constructive criticism and came a long way in refining her style and fit to get there. The end result was a beautiful collection elevated by its runway styling and pure in its simplicity–and the fit was impeccable.”

Taken from TFI News April/May 2008

Also - go to Carolyn's Blog to read interviews with the judges...

Acid Wash @ Jones

Acid Wash is back! Available at JONES at 557 Queen Street West or www.shopatjones.com

Fit: Tight
Waist: Low
Legs: Super slim
Style: Acid wash with zipper detail
Price: $109

Canada's Hottest New Label

The Toronto Fashion Incubator and Elle Canada hosted the annual New Labels Competition Thursday night, kicking off the Elle Show - a three day trade beauty and fashion trade show for consumers.

The evening began with the customary Vin De Pays D'oc wine reception which kept all non-VIP guests busy as the show started one hour late! Fortunately we kept busy chatting with Project Runway Canada winner Evan Biddell, who is unfortunately not adjusting well to life in T.O. (he may leave for London at any moment!) We watched as both fashionable ladies and men sauntered around in bright yellow and purple outfits and shoes. And noticed all the fabulous contemporary hair cuts on women in their 40s (everyone should follow suit!)

Over the past few months, judges Nathalie Atkinson, National Post; Kathy Cheng, marketing Wing Son Garments; David Dixon, fashion designer; Mary Jo Looby, retail consultant; and Rita Silvan, editor Elle Canada have been determining how innovative, well-made, marketable and appealing each of the four contenders clothing lines are.

After actually planning and making the clothes for the show, designers have been busy casting models, doing fittings and making adjustments and working with stylists who really help make the entire collection look fresh and coherent on the runway. As well, each designer filmed a brief video blog/documentary that were shown before each collection was presented which provided much insight into inspirations and processes.

The Finals



Architecture + Fashion
Lara Presber's architecturally pleasant skirts and dresses were favoured by many (even judge Nathalie Atkinson was seen nodding in approval during the show) but didn't take home the prize. Inspired by an art deco painting, Presber conjured up sharp pleats counter-balanced with gentle hues like flat gold and gunmetal grey. Styled by Costa Pavlu of Judy Inc.

The Winner
Cocktail wear viewed through the kaleidescope of the past or something or other...in her video, winner Eugenia Levitt describes her line as 'fun' (for playing bridge perhaps). 'Sweet' is more suitable a word for this collection of silky dresses and skirts in navy, ivory and purple dotted with hand-made rosettes. So many rosettes in fact that Rolyn Chambers dubbed the line as the 'Where's Waldo of Rosettes?' Next on shoulders, next on hems, on bums, in hair... Marketable, well-made... Styled by Juliana Schavianatto, Plutino Group.


Hipster High Five
Among competitors all showing elegant and feminine clothing, it seemed the talented Adrienne Butifoker barely stood a chance - even with silky skirts and an amazing horizontal layered LBD. That's not to say we didn't love the wearable paper bag waisted pants, sack skirts, 70s look blouses all in black, navy and burnt orange. Probably my fave - So very Queen Street. Or Nylon Magazine. Styled by Alissa Krost, the Artist Group.

miss black
All black - the entire collection (her debut spring collection was all white). Making Ashley Rowe to Izzy Camilleri what Mui Mui is to Prada. A gigantic loopy wooly coat, leather tunic, heart-shaped bustier dress - all paired with skinny leggings. A consistent collection seemingly based on geometric shapes we all know: rectangle, triangle, square silhouettes - so nothing particularly new. With enough business sense (or money) to acquire a PR firm, miss rowe wins most likely to succeed. Stylist George Antonopoulos, Artist Group.

All photos by Christinal Pal, TSF.com principal photographer

Win FREE tickets to the Clothing Show!

Win tickets to Toronto's best designer and vintage sale, The Clothing Show - May 2-4, 2008.

Just send in a Head-to-Toe photo of yourself dressed in a mix of local designer duds and/or vintage finds, with details, to win two (2) free tickets to this massive 3-day clothing event! The first five (5) people to send in their photo and outfit details wins! All winning pics will be posted on the site.

Send photo (less than 1mg) to rachel@torontostreetfashion.com

New Labels Designer Competition Top 4 - This Week!

TFI New Labels Competition @ the Elle Show - This Thursday, April 24, 2008 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto.

From the TFI News Jan/Feb News:
Tickets for the ELLE Canada gala benefit in support of the Toronto Fashion Incubator are ON SALE NOW at www.elleshow.ca!

One of the following four candidates will walk away with the top prize of valued at $25,000.


Adrienne Butikofer’s collection (above) is inspired by the emancipation of women in the workplace during WW1. Adrienne is a Winnipeg native who studied fashion design at London’s Fanshawe College. Her line features separates and streetwear retailing from $60 to $390, and can be found in Montreal at Le Marche; in Toronto at Magic Pony, Nathalie Roze & Co. and Propaganda.


Inspired by the traditions of the “handmade”, combined with a passionate belief that clothing should be treasured, Montrealer Eugenia Leavitt describes her clothing as, “romantic yet modern, combining artistic, feminine touches with clean, simple designs”. Pieces retail from $110 to $425 and can be found at Meli Melo in Montreal. Eugenia studied fashion design at the International Academy of Design in Montreal.


Calgary-based designer Lara Presber studied architecture in Milan at the Domus Academy campus of the University of Wales. For fall 2008, she is inspired by the exploration of the juxtaposition between the feminine and soft figures of Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempika’s subjects with their masculine and greyed-out architectural backgrounds (see above). Separates range from $125 to $700 retail and can be found at The Velvet Room Boutique in Vancouver.


Ashley Rowe’s miss rowe collection of fashion-forward coats and separates (above) was inspired by her mother’s vintage looped-wool coat, which has a rock&roll-meets-English-dandy appeal. Ashley is a George Brown College graduate and former intern at Flare and Fashion magazines.

ZINK Canada Cover

The new ZINK Canada magazine has been floating around for a month or two now (sold @ Indigo among others) but I only recently acquired my copy ($6) chock full of Canadian features, Canadian designer ads and multiple photo shoots put together by Canadian stylists et al...

However, with all this emphasis on maintaining relevance of the premiere Canadian issue - the cover (and feature photo editorial) contradicts the message: Covergirl Reid was shot by New York-based Canadian photographer Geoff Barrenger; New York-based stylist Tracy Cyprow used an American designer dress (Betsey Johnson) and hair and make-up were contracted out to American agencies.

Editor-at-large, Adrian Mainella, 'gets to the bottom of Canada's fashion dilemma' pointing out our problem of a lower GDP (we spend less than others); our turn-on to international labels; lack of branding; and no ONE relevant national fashion week (for international buyers).

The mag covers beauty, music, gadgets a little food and travel and many fashion spreads. 4 issues/year.

CAUTION: CONFLICT! [FAT] Day 3

by Liza Zawadzka

The last night of [FAT] gets off to a raucous start as desparate fans steal front row seats - tossing seat-saver coats and bags aside and defending their view like it was the Gaza strip. The theme of the last evening was Conflict and revellers were incidently slightly more on edge and
moody...

The show started with a modern dance performance (I know - I usually gag at modern dance too - but the dancers are amazingly interesting). An artist drums on a computer snare drum, a video of Chinese drummers in military uniforms plays in the background, while a dancer winds yellow caution tape around the audience. Perhaps the work suggests a caution to the Olympic organizing committee to "think before you do"!

Asphyxia and Magdelina showcase their clothes with zombie models covered in "blood" (albeit glittery pretty blood) and the most creepy and amazing special effects make-up. The designers create a contemporary collage of Victorian materials - a tarnished silver ballgown, vintage velvet sparkling with jet, and ancient lace tangled and mangled to create a most interesting net effect. Vanja Vasic works with heavy white cotton outrageously cut to reveal an entire boob or butt cheek. Her deconstruction/reconstruction of fabric cut and sewn back together in thousands of layers of soft feathery ruffles is astonishingly beautiful as much as it is obsessive.

If you're looking for something to wear to a Yuri party then Red Barron has the perfect outfit in heavy white canvas ensembles complete with plastic bubble helmets and the NASA logo emblazoned in strategic places. Fashion diehards give Jessica Nicholson a standing ovation for her fearless collection which includes a video of anti-globalization protests and a cowl-backed dress made from a Palestinian scarf. Jewelry designer Jiame Galinea sets off the collection with witty necklaces, bracelets and headgear made from delightfully colourful lego pieces. Vecerra presents a small but interesting collection of plaster body cast corsets and a silver Barbarella short suit. Thanks to [FAT] for giving artists an opportunity to play, experiment and speak without limitations!

[FAT] Day 2: Everything but the...

DJ Daniel Wilson in a one shoulder jumper by Andrew Kerrigan

Sonja Andic in a Kameleon watch necklace with Liza Zawadzka

Model and scenester Biko Beauttah before her NOW MyStyle runway debut

Sarah Campbell backstage preparing for the The Rage fashion show

Front row day 2

The Deadly Nightshades celebrate the fashion film, 'A Night out with the Deadly Nightshades' promoting sustainability in fashion and good times!

Stylist Kym Chambers, curating a [FAT] installation, '7 Straight Jackets interpreting 7 Deadly Sins' with Fashion Television intern Shenae Grimes

Imagine a spot where you can go, hang out with friends, listen to amazing bands, dance a little, catch some eye candy and do some seriously interesting people watching, peruse some multimedia art exhibits, watch a few runway fashion shows AND experience more than one performance dance show - all in a night. That's [FAT] Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week 2008.

Dancers kept us glued to our seats for Anna Smutny's "Thick Motions"

On Day 2, major kudos go out to the music and dance performances. Anna Smutney's contemporary dance troupe captured our attentions and held on so tightly as the three dancers extracted emotion and feelings with intense dramatic movements. Later in the evening a mucho caliente salsa couple spiked the energy and mood of the crowd with hip grinds, lifts and hot moves.


The Virginia Titty Killers, a multi-man ensemble (that I can't seem to find online), fronted by former runway model Kobe James, funked out like a George Clinton P-Funk band, except it was more rapping and singing - high energy and super stage presence!

Sick Sound System created a full-on orchestra of beat boxing and vocal percussion - more than impressive - you HAVE to check them out!

[FAT] Day 2: ...fashion

Did you plan those outfits? Runway Co-ordinator Wesley Badanjak and PR gal Sonja Miokovic


Paper People Clothing by Jen Fukushima


The first of the only two standing ovations at [FAT], Heidi Ackerman and her fashionable sustainable knitwear collection.


Marlene Shiff with model Cedric after the Babu et Moi show... The party begins!



[FAT] ended in the most invigorating and positive way, leaving everyone with a smile on their face as they left! For the last show, Babu et Moi, each of the models individually danced (and I mean danced!) down the runway. As the show ended, models pulled the front rowers onto the runway, creating a giant dance party. Can you imagine - everyone got up and danced - how cool is that?!

I have to mention that I have the utmost respect for all the amazing models who worked show after show and injected much personality into the collections with their purple hair, tattooed arms, love handles and newbie innocence (except at the Krane show of course, see below).

Tommy Ton, photographer and stylist injected a little Parisian mystique for the KRANE show - photo jakandjil.com

[FAT] Day 1: Do you even like fashion?!

[FAT]s fiercest model rocks a Magpie gown


Rachel with Vessna Perunovich and [FAT] photographer William Chrysler aka Zaiden

[FAT] is so cool (come a long way in three years) that Executive Director Vanja Vasic is surely giving L'Oreal Fashion Week bigwig Robin Kay a run for her money!

The vibe at the Fermenting Cellar of the Distillery District on day one (1) was slow and steady; soothingly lit with at least 10 flat screens spread around the space showing various artistic videos including Arline Malakian's 'The Gaze' and Vessna Perunovich's Midnight Marriage (who happens to be [FAT] artistic director and Vanja's mom).


Similar to foreplay if you will, the aura bred excitement with slight hestitation (likely because many of the would-be participants were at Ryerson's Mass Exodus Show); but the crowd was certainly fashionable and edgy and the models were even better, throwing runway convention aside and strutting, dancing and swaying with the flow of this alternative event.

[FAT] is art, amazingly talented musical acts and fashion; and day one showcased 12 fashion designers in three parts.

Amie Scott broke from her usual sunnyside up egg shirts and presented a dozen looks that had everyone around me in stitches (in a good way) as each look surfaced: a blood-tainted gown with a severed arm attached, a hamburger dress with fabric bun, tomato et al., and a camo-print full bustle gown. We loved the dress made with pj material with a bum-flap (what a great idea, why hasn't anyone thought of this before?!)

Wesley Badanjak (runway coordinator and designer) presented the most polished collection of the group for men and women which included tailored skinny pants and chic vests; while Magpie enchanted with full-length tie-dyed African-style dresses wound and tied with straps of fabric. For the final show, Lena Love opened for Kirsty McKenzie and was followed by a group of fabulously fierce models dressed in her mix-up of floral creations which garnered much praise from my fashion friends.

We didn't spot much fashion media in the crowd besides FAB writer Rolyn Chambers, NOW Magazine's Andrew Sardone and fashionista extraordinaire Lucinda McRuvy (maybe saving their energy for our fashion film tomorrow night?) but did hear from a source that when asked what she thought of the show, the Flare editor's assistant shrugged and scowled. No taste for art?? Our source then questioned, 'Do you even like fashion??!' We love it!

[FAT] Day 1 More Pics

(apologies for the photo quality - was having issues - better tomorrow!)